1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “脇” (waki) primarily means “side” or “armpit.” It refers to the area on the side of the body, often used in both anatomical and metaphorical contexts.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “脇” is a phono-semantic compound (形声文字), which combines a semantic component (the radical “肉” meaning “meat” or “flesh”) and a phonetic component (the character “ワキ” which indicates the pronunciation).
Radical: The radical of “脇” is “肉” (niku), which is commonly associated with body parts or flesh-related meanings.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “脇” are:
- 脇道 (わきみち, wakimichi) – side road
- 脇役 (わきやく, wakiyaku) – supporting role
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 「脇にある道を使ってください。」(Please use the road on the side.)
- 「彼は映画で脇役を演じています。」(He plays a supporting role in the movie.)
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “側” (がわ, gawa), which also means “side” but is more general and can refer to the side of an object or person.
Opposite Kanji: An antonym is “中心” (ちゅうしん, chūshin), meaning “center,” which indicates the middle part as opposed to the side.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of “脇” is significant in various aspects of Japanese culture, including traditional arts and crafts where the side or peripheral elements are often emphasized.
Proverbs and Idioms: One common expression is “脇が甘い” (わきがあまい, waki ga amai), which means “to be careless” or “to have a weak side,” often used to describe someone who is not paying attention to details.